Ransom requests bled Nigeria over ₦1 billion in 2019, figures to increase

Kidnappers abducted over 1,386 Nigerians from January to December 2019;

This number increased in 2020 at 1,984 persons in just eleven months, estimating over ₦13.5 million in ransom between January – May;

Abductions have bled Nigeria over $18 million in the last nine years (June 2011- March 2020);

Experts have linked insecurity to Nigeria’s economic woes;

In all, intelligence-based security initiatives and poverty alleviation programmes are a way to address the spate of kidnapping in the country. 

Nigeria records increased number of kidnapping in 2020

Hundreds of families will be celebrating Christmas with one or two missing family members this year; some of which might be breadwinners. Sounds far-fetched? In reality, it’s more of an understatement, given the 1,984 abducted Nigerians from January to November, this year. To say nothing of the recent 300 abductees in Katsina state amid President Buhari’s visit.

In truth, the trend of kidnapping has been on the incline, with acute fiscal implications for the poverty capital of the world.  Just last year reports estimated ransom fees in the nine-figure range (₦1,025,635,000), a steep jump from 2018’s ₦68,400,000. Further, SB Morgen estimates ₦13.5 million in ransoms paid from January to May 2020. Again, considering the average income of a Nigerian which is ₦43,000, you get the implication. Not to mention the impact of the pandemic in the economy which saw many layoffs and losses.

In all, the increase of kidnap cases and ransom fees in the last three years attest to the high level of insecurity in the country. It further speaks to the incompetence of the federal government (FG) in securing the lives of the citizens. 

Economic hardship at the centre of kidnapping in Nigeria

Interestingly, one of the earlier instances of kidnapping, at least in the degree we see today started in the early 2000s. What was the issue? Underdevelopment and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. So, to get the attention of the international community, Militants kidnapped expatriates. 

After that was the debut of the Jihadist group, Boko Haram, particularly in Northern Nigeria; the sectarian group became infamous for abductions in the North-East region. 

However, save the Jihadist group, experts have surmised economic hardship as the root of most kidnappings. Is this true? While the science may not be exact, Nigeria having over 83 million citizens below the poverty line is undoubtedly a factor to consider. 

One thing is for sure, abductions and ransoming are becoming a fast-paced business in Nigeria worth millions. And the implications given the current economic climate are dire. 

COVID-19 implications and ongoing recession

As the country battles with its second recession, different individuals have expressed concern over a possible increase in abductions. Closely related is the impact of the fall in crude, given the pandemic. Elsewhere, a second batch of COVID-19 and EndSARS is brewing. 

Overall, this perfect storm if not addressed has the makings of an even worse 2021. Already, this enterprise (ransom fees) has caused the country over $18 million in ransom in the last nine years (June 2011- March 2020). To that effect, immediate action from the government is imperative. Because Nigeria cannot afford any more financial hits, as she recovers from protests and a pandemic. 

Forging ahead

First steps would be re-examining current strategies for security agencies. Fortifying highway patrols is also a way to go. In the same vein, law enforcement should develop novel counter-kidnapping strategies that are intelligence-driven. These initiatives should be less reactive, instead proactive in identifying abduction hotspots.

Furthermore, going for a possible root cause, i.e. the economy would prove beneficial. Specifically, FG should prioritise initiatives that bring returns on investment. What does this mean? Instead of focusing on social goods, the government should emphasize citizen empowerment. Already, a handful of states are reportedly looking into this for 2021. Chief of which is Lagos with its youth empowerment discourse. While this is commendable, like most things in Nigeria, implementation remains the second side of the coin. 

To that end, the government must ensure it follows through with citizen empowerment schemes. After all, there have been a plethora of ‘empowerment schemes’ in the past, especially in the Agric sector. Wonderful idea, shoddy implementation because besides dolling out millions, FG was never intentional about getting back results. This time, other than just establishing these initiatives, FG must measure and track its success. In the end, empowered Nigerians present a lesser likelihood of banditry and kidnapping.